So I'm sitting in our 24 hours of prayer, and getting my soul fed. I didn't really come for that, but there it is anyway. I came to talk to God and hear His voice, and it is happening in buckets.
What a cool thing to be able to come into The Presence, and identify things that I've been carrying, and choose to lay them down at Jesus feet. What w worrier I would be if there wasn't a way to do that.
This while it's been an incredible summer, this has been a meager month financially for us. God, I trust you with it. And the Fall growth season has not yet exploded on us with all of it's usual growth. Not yet. God I trust you with that.
We need some major new ministry tools, like new buildings, and more leaders. God I trust you with that.
And we need to miss fewer opportunities. I trust you with that too God.
I will not worry, pace, or allow nightmares to control my dream time. I will not falter, or waver, even when it looks like it's not going to get done. I will not back up, slow down, or burn out. I will not get distracted, overcome, or beaten down. God is my deliverer and strength, my very present help.
That's my story, and I'm stickin to it.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
i hate disapointing people!
I hate it when I cannot meet every need people ask of me.
Recently I have gotten a number of emails from people who have been frustrated about my slow response time. Right now there are hundreds of emails that i should be responding to. As it is, I often respond to more than a hundred a day. That is hours and hours of work.
A few of my Pastor-friends have started to use 'ghost-writers' to get them all answered. I found that out when I sent a personal cry for help to a pastor who I had often emailed in the past when I needed help. I got back a response that seemed out of character for him, and later when I asked him about it, he seemed even more out of touch.
After inquiring about it, I discovered that a really kind and helpful volunteer had read and responded to my email for him.
I admit I felt a little ripped off. And exposed.
A frustrated emailer recently suggested that I should use an auto-responder to tell people that I was not keeping up, thus helping them manage their expectations. Or, someone suggested, I should change email addresses, and only give the new one to people who I want to hear from.
These solutions don't seem good to me.
But here's the thing. Once people come to expect a certain thing, no one wants to no longer get what they have come to expect. They get angry.
I wonder if that is ultimately why they crucified Jesus. They had come to expect that He would always slip through the crowd when they tried to kill him, and that he would explain Himself so well that no one could ever actually talk him into a corner. I wonder if they actually expected more great miracles, especially after marching him into Jerusalem as their new King one week before! I wonder if, when they didn't get what they thought they should get from Him, that they got angry that He wouldn't give it, and decided to take their revenge on Him instead?
Recently I have gotten a number of emails from people who have been frustrated about my slow response time. Right now there are hundreds of emails that i should be responding to. As it is, I often respond to more than a hundred a day. That is hours and hours of work.
A few of my Pastor-friends have started to use 'ghost-writers' to get them all answered. I found that out when I sent a personal cry for help to a pastor who I had often emailed in the past when I needed help. I got back a response that seemed out of character for him, and later when I asked him about it, he seemed even more out of touch.
After inquiring about it, I discovered that a really kind and helpful volunteer had read and responded to my email for him.
I admit I felt a little ripped off. And exposed.
A frustrated emailer recently suggested that I should use an auto-responder to tell people that I was not keeping up, thus helping them manage their expectations. Or, someone suggested, I should change email addresses, and only give the new one to people who I want to hear from.
These solutions don't seem good to me.
But here's the thing. Once people come to expect a certain thing, no one wants to no longer get what they have come to expect. They get angry.
I wonder if that is ultimately why they crucified Jesus. They had come to expect that He would always slip through the crowd when they tried to kill him, and that he would explain Himself so well that no one could ever actually talk him into a corner. I wonder if they actually expected more great miracles, especially after marching him into Jerusalem as their new King one week before! I wonder if, when they didn't get what they thought they should get from Him, that they got angry that He wouldn't give it, and decided to take their revenge on Him instead?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
weekend notes
What a packed and fruitful weekend. Candace and Aaron organized a benefit show for their upcoming missions trip to Lesotho and raised $530! This puts them within $100 of what they need to pay for the trip. I am so proud of their way of going about it- sowing seed, asking God for vision, involving people who love them, and believing that God would help them get it done. That is good stuff. In addition to raising money, lots of kids had a great night of good music, expression, and fun.
I think they will represent the Kingdom of God well, and do a lot of good in Lesotho.
The Freedom House has 4 guys in it! Twice this week, Hanover Hospital called us and ask us to pick up a man there who was coming out of detox. I love that! It seems like we are helping to make a real difference in the Hanover area, by helping people get themselves back on track with God, and back in control of their lives. What a privilege to be there for DiShawn, Jeff, Kenny, and William.
Also exciting at the Freedom House, is that Jake Lewis offered himself to help lead it. I am very exited about what he will bring to it. His gentle, serious, kind, and Jesus-like heart will shine there and really help, I think. We really need to cover him in prayer.
Our 4 weekend services went very well, and I think I did a fair job of communicating the heart of God to the people He sent to hear the Word. I see a lot of people eagerly responding and moving toward their Heavenly Father. I think we are making a difference, and honoring God.
When I got done with the four services, Shining Stars was holding their season-ending horse show. I was shocked and awed with how many people were attending that event! There must have been 3-4 hundred people all around that arena. Brandy reported that it seemed like everything that could go wrong did, yet they were able to bless a lot of kids, help some families, and extend the love of Jesus to people with excellence and creativity. That team of people is really incredible.
We really need to get that indoor arena built so that they can do more of what they do so well. So many families and so many handicapped people will benefit so much from their hard, sacrificial work. I need about 1.5 million to get it done and soon! I don't know how, but I think if I get my part done, God will provide a way.
I think they will represent the Kingdom of God well, and do a lot of good in Lesotho.
The Freedom House has 4 guys in it! Twice this week, Hanover Hospital called us and ask us to pick up a man there who was coming out of detox. I love that! It seems like we are helping to make a real difference in the Hanover area, by helping people get themselves back on track with God, and back in control of their lives. What a privilege to be there for DiShawn, Jeff, Kenny, and William.
Also exciting at the Freedom House, is that Jake Lewis offered himself to help lead it. I am very exited about what he will bring to it. His gentle, serious, kind, and Jesus-like heart will shine there and really help, I think. We really need to cover him in prayer.
Our 4 weekend services went very well, and I think I did a fair job of communicating the heart of God to the people He sent to hear the Word. I see a lot of people eagerly responding and moving toward their Heavenly Father. I think we are making a difference, and honoring God.
When I got done with the four services, Shining Stars was holding their season-ending horse show. I was shocked and awed with how many people were attending that event! There must have been 3-4 hundred people all around that arena. Brandy reported that it seemed like everything that could go wrong did, yet they were able to bless a lot of kids, help some families, and extend the love of Jesus to people with excellence and creativity. That team of people is really incredible.
We really need to get that indoor arena built so that they can do more of what they do so well. So many families and so many handicapped people will benefit so much from their hard, sacrificial work. I need about 1.5 million to get it done and soon! I don't know how, but I think if I get my part done, God will provide a way.
Friday, September 14, 2007
I want a voice
How would I go about making any kind of permanent difference on this culture?
So I am at a 25 year class reunion tonight. As we traded stories, I started thinking about all the pain and sadness in the room. Parents who are angry that their denomination sold them out and stopped teaching the Bible, trading it for socially "acceptable" teachings rather than trusting the Bible to be truth, even for American me-isms.
There were friends who were grand parents too young, because a 17 year old son had sex. There was a divorce... no, make that divorces. There was cancers that came from sin, ... and you get the picture. So much pain.
"My people perish for lack of knowledge" the prophet said. It's amazing how we are the most learned and scientifically rich society ever, but so out of control, and in so much pain because of our lack of self control, and our unbelief that God's ideas are realistic for today.
So, Lord, would you help me find a way to communicate truth, and help people avoid the pain? Help me use the TV show, the pulpit, the internet, and everything within my power to affect my world. Most of all, please give us the gift of revival in my time, before we all destroy ourselves with endless pain and the medication to make it dull.
So I am at a 25 year class reunion tonight. As we traded stories, I started thinking about all the pain and sadness in the room. Parents who are angry that their denomination sold them out and stopped teaching the Bible, trading it for socially "acceptable" teachings rather than trusting the Bible to be truth, even for American me-isms.
There were friends who were grand parents too young, because a 17 year old son had sex. There was a divorce... no, make that divorces. There was cancers that came from sin, ... and you get the picture. So much pain.
"My people perish for lack of knowledge" the prophet said. It's amazing how we are the most learned and scientifically rich society ever, but so out of control, and in so much pain because of our lack of self control, and our unbelief that God's ideas are realistic for today.
So, Lord, would you help me find a way to communicate truth, and help people avoid the pain? Help me use the TV show, the pulpit, the internet, and everything within my power to affect my world. Most of all, please give us the gift of revival in my time, before we all destroy ourselves with endless pain and the medication to make it dull.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
wow
Today was heavy. I got a letter from Penn Township, showing confusion about our discipleship ministry there. Either we get that figured out, or we will need to move the house I guess.
And our former leader there made a huge mess with some serious sin. Sin is so messy and so hard to clean up, and there is really no such thing as what two people do in private in their own bedroom. It affects everybody, like it or not, and makes life painful and miserable for everyone if they do not understand the "rules of engagement". It seems like most people do not even know what those rules are, and don't want to know. Selfishness rules the day in most of our lives I guess.
But the exciting thing is, there is a new leader coming and I think this one is really going to work out, helping us make the huge difference we really hope to make there.
There are so many opportunities, but new skills and new competencies are needed. We need the Holy Spirit to help us find more ways to bring the fish in, and help them live functional, happy, worthwhile lives. This next season is going to be great if we can keep up with the Holy Spirit.
With God's help, I would always like to be the guy I was last week in the services. God gave me words of prophecy, strong encouragements, and a boat load of power breakthroughs at the altar. A pastor (who I never met) confessed adultery and wept with me about the awful cost of his sin. He lost his family, his church and job, and everything he had worked for so far.
Then there was the man struggling with episodes of unreasonable fear, and the young lady aching because her heart was broken. And so many others. I got to lead each and every one to the throne of grace and ask God to meet them there. He did. Things changed.
My daughter Shawna called from Sweden this morning, breaking my heart with happiness and joy over what God is doing in her there!
I got another email from another man who is dreaming of another church and another way to help people discover Jesus. He is praying about starting a biker church here at Freedom valley! Ad that to my friend who preached a funeral where 20 people got saved and a church is breaking out of that! And so much more!
You could easily make a long list right now of things going wrong here at freedom valley. But why bother? God is bringing so much good out of our flimsy attempts to do church, with us, without us, and often in spite of us! I love Him so much for allowing me along for the ride!
I feel like I could write for hours tonight.
And our former leader there made a huge mess with some serious sin. Sin is so messy and so hard to clean up, and there is really no such thing as what two people do in private in their own bedroom. It affects everybody, like it or not, and makes life painful and miserable for everyone if they do not understand the "rules of engagement". It seems like most people do not even know what those rules are, and don't want to know. Selfishness rules the day in most of our lives I guess.
But the exciting thing is, there is a new leader coming and I think this one is really going to work out, helping us make the huge difference we really hope to make there.
There are so many opportunities, but new skills and new competencies are needed. We need the Holy Spirit to help us find more ways to bring the fish in, and help them live functional, happy, worthwhile lives. This next season is going to be great if we can keep up with the Holy Spirit.
With God's help, I would always like to be the guy I was last week in the services. God gave me words of prophecy, strong encouragements, and a boat load of power breakthroughs at the altar. A pastor (who I never met) confessed adultery and wept with me about the awful cost of his sin. He lost his family, his church and job, and everything he had worked for so far.
Then there was the man struggling with episodes of unreasonable fear, and the young lady aching because her heart was broken. And so many others. I got to lead each and every one to the throne of grace and ask God to meet them there. He did. Things changed.
My daughter Shawna called from Sweden this morning, breaking my heart with happiness and joy over what God is doing in her there!
I got another email from another man who is dreaming of another church and another way to help people discover Jesus. He is praying about starting a biker church here at Freedom valley! Ad that to my friend who preached a funeral where 20 people got saved and a church is breaking out of that! And so much more!
You could easily make a long list right now of things going wrong here at freedom valley. But why bother? God is bringing so much good out of our flimsy attempts to do church, with us, without us, and often in spite of us! I love Him so much for allowing me along for the ride!
I feel like I could write for hours tonight.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
exciting days
Wow this is fun.
God is restoring relationships that seemed unlikely, and adding to my faith.
In Romans 12 we are told to evaluate ourselves honestly, actually measuring ourselves by the amount of faith God has given us. I wonder what that means, actually? How do I measure myself by the faith God has given me, exactly?
I want to one day be at a place of great faith, where I look back at today and consider the current level of faith as small and infantile.
Tonight my boys were asking about the next churches that we hope to get started. It sure is nice to discuss these kinds of concepts with my sons.
God is restoring relationships that seemed unlikely, and adding to my faith.
In Romans 12 we are told to evaluate ourselves honestly, actually measuring ourselves by the amount of faith God has given us. I wonder what that means, actually? How do I measure myself by the faith God has given me, exactly?
I want to one day be at a place of great faith, where I look back at today and consider the current level of faith as small and infantile.
Tonight my boys were asking about the next churches that we hope to get started. It sure is nice to discuss these kinds of concepts with my sons.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
marriages, my daughter, and a litte trip out west
So, tonight Shawna finally actually flew out to Sweden. Thanks everybody for praying with us about it. After more than a month of wrestling with visa problems, she is on her way. I am proud of her and way emotional. Anybody have survival tips for a proud but emotional Dad?
Please?
And a dear Pastor-friend's marriage is in big trouble. Weird deceptions, and manipulations are in play in an unimaginable horror to work through. Please pray with me, even though I cannot tell you his/her name.
Vaughn Crago and I are on our way back from a motorcycle trip to Montana to see his folks and ... to see Montana. Awesome stuff. Does anybody have any idea how much open, unpopulated space there is out there? It makes me want to drag some of the "this earth is over-populated" people out there and make them sit through the mind numbing hours of driving 80 miles an hour and seeing no one! Like the man said, "if it's too populated where you live- move!"
God sure made this country beautiful. But right now I just want to see my beautiful wife, sons, and daughter again (the one that still lives in Gettysburg,). There is no scenery on earth that matches that.
Please?
And a dear Pastor-friend's marriage is in big trouble. Weird deceptions, and manipulations are in play in an unimaginable horror to work through. Please pray with me, even though I cannot tell you his/her name.
Vaughn Crago and I are on our way back from a motorcycle trip to Montana to see his folks and ... to see Montana. Awesome stuff. Does anybody have any idea how much open, unpopulated space there is out there? It makes me want to drag some of the "this earth is over-populated" people out there and make them sit through the mind numbing hours of driving 80 miles an hour and seeing no one! Like the man said, "if it's too populated where you live- move!"
God sure made this country beautiful. But right now I just want to see my beautiful wife, sons, and daughter again (the one that still lives in Gettysburg,). There is no scenery on earth that matches that.
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